Short answer: the Polk Reserve R500. Both are rated 4.2/5 for sound quality (#85 and #90 of 228 floorstanding speakers), and the Polk Reserve R500 costs $1,398 against $1,439.98 for the Polk Reserve R600, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The case for the Polk Reserve R500: Affordable floorstanding speakers with fairly neutral sound for a small to medium room, easy to improve further with simple EQ. The catch: A bump around 4-6kHz gives a “shouty,” mildly sibilant quality in the lower treble.
The case for the Polk Reserve R600: Slim floorstanding speakers with a ring radiator tweeter, twin woofers and a down firing port for deep bass in a living room. The catch: Rating estimated from measured Reserve series siblings (Polk R200, Polk Reserve R500, and Polk Audio Reserve R700).
Buy the Polk Reserve R500. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $41.98 less than the Polk Reserve R600.
About the ratings: the Polk Reserve R600’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 4.0 to 4.4, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Affordable floorstanding speakers with fairly neutral sound for a small to medium room, easy to improve further with simple EQ.
Slim floorstanding speakers with a ring radiator tweeter, twin woofers and a down firing port for deep bass in a living room.
Prices on this page were last checked November 5, 2026 at 10:30 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Reserve R500 | Polk Reserve R600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,398 per pair | $1,439.98 per pair Passive |
| Ranked | #85 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #90 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Dimensions | 40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) | 41.9” x 11.1” x 15” (1064 x 281 x 382 mm) |
| Impedance | 4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 8 ohms nominal per manufacturer) | 4 ohms (4-8 ohm compatible) |
| Sensitivity | 86.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87.5dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Drivers | Two 5.25” Turbine Cone woofer, 1” Pinnacle Ring Radiator tweeter | 1” Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter, two 6.5” Turbine Cone woofers |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each | 47.4 lbs (21.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.86 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.44 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.7kHz |
| Frequency Response | - | 38Hz - 38kHz (±3dB) |
| Passive | - | Yes |
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